Sport: Rugby Country: Japan Category: Injuries

Carter Gordon returns for Wallabies in second Japan Test in Townsville

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 2:03 AM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Carter Gordon returns for Wallabies in second Japan Test in Townsville

Summary

Carter Gordon has been named in the Wallabies' starting XV against Japan, set for Saturday in Townsville. The fly-half returns after recovering from a calf injury to partner Ryan Lonergan in the halves. This change comes as new coach Les Kiss drops Declan Meredith following an inconsistent performance last week in Osaka. The match marks a potential turning point for Gordon, who returned to rugby after a stint in the NRL. The Wallabies aim for redemption after their previous outing.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Status Watch

•Gordon returns after overcoming a calf injury.
•Kiss replaces Meredith in the lineup after Osaka performance.
•Match scheduled for Saturday in Townsville.
•Gordon has transitioned back to union from NRL.

Latest Updates

2:03 AMThe Guardian Sport — Carter Gordon returns for Wallabies in ‘balanced selection’ for second Japan Test

What they're saying

"
Fly-half overcomes calf injury to partner Ryan Lonergan in halves Prop Massimo De Lutiis primed to become 1,000th player capped After three false starts, the Carter Gordon era for the Wallabies may have finally arrived after the flyhalf was named in the Australian XV to play Japan in Townsville on Saturday. New coach Les Kiss dropped Declan Meredith after last week’s inconsistent performance in Osaka and turned to the 25-year-old who returned to union ranks last year after a stint in the NRL. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Jack Snape

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